Antidepressants

What I call 'em

uppers

They are used for

relieve depression

Examples

• Elavil (amitriptyline)

• Prozac (fluoxetine)

• Zoloft (sertraline)

All of us have days when we feel “blue” and for some good reason, disappointment or bad news. But, persistent sadness, preoccupation with negative thoughts, insomnia, prolonged loss of concentration at work and loss of interest in personal affairs may signal a need for medical intervention. All these medications elevate mood from feeling “down”. Two major categories of drugs in use for depression are called tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). Put simply, both medications modify the chemicals (neurotransmitters) that carry signals in our brain. They target brain areas that are associated with emotional feelings and our reactions to them. Feel better? Act better!

Antihistamines

What I call 'em

cold and flu pills

They are used for

stops a runny nose, wheezing and itchiness

Examples

• Allegra (fexofenadine)

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

• Claritin (loratadine)

Histamine is a natural substance produced by many tissues of the body. Histamine release in nasal passages in response to bacteria or virus infection, sensitivity to various pollens results in a runny nose and nasal congestion. Histamine release in lung tissue causes constriction of air passages. Histamine release in the skin produces redness and itchiness. So, the wide distribution of histamine and its unique actions in those tissues account for the variety of reactions that can occur with its release. Antihistamines block the action of histamine at its target organ.

Antihypertensives

What I call 'em

blood pressure pills

They are used for

lowers high blood pressure

Examples

• Norvasc (amlodipine besylate)

• Captopen (captopril)

• Inderal (propranolol)

• Lotensin (benazepril)

• Tenormin (atenolol)

• Zestril (lisinopril)

Cardiac drugs

What I call 'em

heart medicine

They are used for

treats abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, angina pain

Examples

• Cardizem (diltiazem)

• Cordarone (amiodarone)

• Inderal (propranolol)

• Lanoxin (digoxin)

• Nitrostat (nitroglycerin)

Diuretics

What I call 'em

water pills

They are used for

lowers high blood pressure, treat congestive heart
failure

Examples

• Hydrodiuril (hydrochlorothiazide)

• Lasix (furosemide)

“Promoting urine” in Greek. These medications may be used alone or in combination with blood pressure medication. Their purpose is to rid the body of excess fluid which can help lower blood pressure and work demand on the heart. Easing the heart’s work load indirectly prevents fluid accumulation in the air sacs of the lungs which can cause difficulty breathing, especially when lying down. The commonest mechanism is to reduce reabsorption of sodium chloride (salt) in the kidneys. More sodium chloride in the urine pulls more water into the urine reducing the body’s fluid volume.